Dead Men Walking

The phrase “dead man walking” refers to an inmate sentenced to death on his way to be capitally punished. The Scripture speaks of mankind in the same way...

“...even as through one man sin entered into the world, and through sin death, and thus death passed through into all mankind.” (Romans 5:12)

Mankind has been sentenced to death and so we are all “dead men walking”…but there is good news!

“For since, in fact, through a man came death, through a man also, comes the resurrection of the dead...you died, and your life is hid together with Christ in God.” (1 Corinthians 15:21; Colossians 3:3)

Senator John James Ingalls of Kansas once said...

“In the democracy of the dead all men at last are equal. There is neither rank nor station nor prerogative in the republic of the grave".

I am convinced by the study of Scripture that all dead men walking will again walk in newness of life – all equal in the eternal Republic of God.

“...we rely on the living God,Who is the Savior of all mankind...for even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified...that God may be All in all.” (1 Timothy 4:10; 1 Corinthians 15:22-28)

So, in light of that, stop worrying about how unrighteous you are...your life is "hid together with Christ in God" - your are safe in Christ Jesus!

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, that is superior to every frame of mind, shall be garrisoning your hearts and your apprehensions in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

The Simple Truth - Saved by Grace

"....yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest (being attested by the law and the prophets), yet a righteousness of God through Jesus Christ’s faith, for all and on all who are believing, for there is no distinction, for all sinned and are wanting of the glory of God. Being justified gratuitously in His GRACE, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus.” ... "For Christ, while we were still infirm, still in accord with the era, for the sake of the irreverent, died...God is commending this love of His to us, seeing that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for our sakes. Much rather, then, being now justified in His blood, we SHALL BE SAVED from indignation, through Him." (Romans 3:22-25; 5:6-9)

The GOSPEL OF GRACE can be summarized as follows:

Sin condemned mankind to the wrath of God which is DEATH. However, the LOVE and GRACE of God overcomes His wrath so He sent his Son to save sinners. "Jesus Christ’s faith", death and resurrection saved us. God will resurrect sinners from death with a powerful, spiritual body which cannot sin or die.

The Gospel of GRACE is not rocket science. It is meant to be so simple a child can understand, and so profound that a genius stands in awe of its simplicity and beauty.

Those enslaved by the various Religions of the world have caused all kinds of wars, pain, suffering and guilt. Paul says we should "shun" them because they are "ever learning but never coming to a knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7). 

"These, also, shun. For of these are those who are slipping into homes and are leading into captivity little women, heaped with sins, being led by various lusts and gratifications, always learning and yet not at any time able to come into a realization of the truth. Now, by the method by which Jannes and Jambres withstand Moses, thus these also are withstanding the truth, men of a depraved mind, disqualified as to the faith." (2 Timothy 3:6-8)

All In Asia Turned Away

The Apostle Paul wrote in his last letter to Timothy…

“Of this you are aware, that all those in the province of Asia were turned from me…now you fully follow me in my teaching…for the era will be when they will not tolerate sound teaching…they will be turning their hearing away from the truth, yet will be turned aside to myths.” (2 Timothy 1:15; 3:10; 4:3-4 CLNT)

That “era” began in Paul's lifetime when “all” those in Asia had been "turned from" his teaching. This “era” has now lasted over 1900 years and not only has the vast majority turned "their hearing away from the truth", most have never even heard the truth that Paul was teaching.  It is indeed miraculous that anyone is left today who has not been “turned aside to myths”.

Paul told Timothy that "all Scripture" is beneficial to teach.  But the teacher should be “correctly cutting the word of truth” into what belongs to Israel and what belongs to the Body of Christ.  Recognizing the difference is the only way to "have a pattern of sound words" that will make the teacher “an unashamed worker”.

“Have a pattern of sound words which you hear from me...endeavor to present yourself to God qualified, an unashamed worker, correctly cutting the word of truth…all Scripture is inspired by God, and is beneficial...” (2 Timothy 1:13; 2:15 ;3:16 CLNT)

About 15 years ago, I noticed that almost all preaching in the church I attended revolved around the four gospels, especially the book of John. Very few sermons from the books written by the Apostle Paul. I began to wonder if there was a significant difference between what the Apostles Peter, James and John preached to Israel and what the Apostle Paul preached to the gentile nations. So I began to study closely Paul’s writings and found the difference. There were “Circumcision” writings “for the Circumcision” (Israel) committed to Peter and “Uncircumcision" writings “for the Uncircumcision” (the Body of Christ) committed to Paul. 

“…perceiving that I have been entrusted with the evangel of the Uncircumcision, according as Peter of the Circumcision…James and Peter and John, who were suppose to be pillars, give to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we, indeed, are to be for the nations, yet they for the Circumcision.” (Galatians 2:7-10)

I had never been taught the difference in church and I bet you have not either, most likely because the teachers are not "correctly cutting the word of truth". Knowing the difference is so important that it is impossible to avoid "being turned aside to myths" without knowing the difference between the teaching of Peter for the Circumcision and Paul for the Uncircumcision. Following is a link to more details in case your interested.

https://jrwlakey.blogspot.com/2018/11/doctor-of-deception.html

Master of Deception

Satan is the "Adversary" of truth.  God created him to fill that role, and he is really good at his job, having earned a Masters Degree in Deception. Jesus and Paul both warned people about his deception...

"You are of your father, the Adversary, and the desires of your father you are wanting to do. He was a man-killer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, for truth is not in him. Whenever he may be speaking a lie, he is speaking of his own, for he is a liar, and the father of it. Yet I -- seeing that I am speaking the truth, you are not believing Me..."..."Satan himself is being transfigured into a messenger of light."  John 8:44-45; 2 Corinthians 11:18 CLNT)

The "Adversary", or Satan, has disguised himself as a "messenger of light", not among the wicked, but among the religious folks.  One of his favorite tools is the mistranslation of Scripture.  For example:

Mistranslation of Greek words into English:

"Aion" and its cognitive adjective "aionios": The Greek words mean "a space of time, an age and age lasting".

Satan, however, influenced theologians to define the words as "eternal" or "everlasting" or "forever and ever" in various places!

"Gehenna': This was a place in the valley of Hinnon, near Jerusalem, where propitiatory sacrifices were made to the god Moloch. It is derived from the Hebrew ge ben Hinnom, the valley of the son of Hinnom.  It was being used as a garbage dump when Jesus was on earth.

Satan, however, influenced theologians to translate the Greek word as "hell", the Greek mythological underworld ruled over by Hades, son of Zeus. 

But his most deceptive victory was getting believers to to mix the good news of the Kingdom promised Israel with the good news of Grace which applies to all mankind. 

Mixing the gospel of the Kingdom with the Gospel of Grace: Paul writes...

"...perceiving that I have been entrusted with the EVANGEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION, according as Peter OF THE CIRCUMCISION (For he who operates in Peter for the apostleship of the Circumcision operates in me also for the nations), and, knowing the grace which is being given to me, James and Cephas and John, who are supposed to be pillars, give to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we, indeed, are to be for the nations, yet they for the Circumcision." (Galatians 2:7 CLNT) 

This was not just a matter of to whom Peter and Paul went, but it is a matter of what they taught  - the content of the gospel they were to share.  Both evangels (gospels) are rooted in Jesus but are two different ministries to two separate groups of believers with two separate destinies in this age and the two following ages:

1. Gospel of the Kingdom "for the Circumcision": It is good news for God's covenant nation, Israel. They were to obey the Law of Moses in order to prosper.  They failed but God had promised to send another Prophet like Moses who would restore to earth the Kingdom that God had promised ISRAEL. That Prophet was Jesus, the Messiah.  But they rejected and killed him. And the irony is that his blood that they shed is the very blood that has atoned for their sin.  It is all a part of God's plan, and Jesus promised Israel that he would come again to establish the Kingdom, and bring in the "times of refreshing".

The promises and curses in the Law of Moses, the Levitical Priesthood, the word of the Prophets, and the Pentecostal gifts and miracles are for them and applies directly ONLY to them. As the covenant nation, they are to confess their sin, call upon the name of the Lord, turn from their evil ways, be baptized for the pardon of their sins, and continue to do works of righteousness found in the Law of Moses.  And most importantly, to believe that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah). His resurrection was the proof to them that he was the Messiah.

"And Jehovah testifies against Israel, and against Judah, by the hand of every prophet, and every seer, saying, ‘Turn back from your evil ways, and keep My commands, My statutes, according to all the law that I commanded your fathers, and that I sent unto you by the hand of My servants the prophets."... "Simon Peter said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Now, answering, Jesus said to him, Happy are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood does not reveal it to you, but My Father Who is in the heavens."..."Peter is averring to them, Repent and be baptized each of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the pardon of your sins...so that the times of refreshing should be coming from the face of the Lord." (2 Kings 17:13 YLT; Matthew 16:16-17 CLNT; Acts 2:38, 3:19 CLNT) 

It is Israel's destiny to rule and reign with Jesus Christ in His Kingdom to be established on this earth during the two ages following this present Age.  The details of the Gospel of the Kingdom for Israel is found in the Books of the Old Testament and the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Hebrews, James, 1st and 2nd Peter, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John, Jude and Revelation.

2. Gospel of Grace "for the Uncircumcision": It is the good news for all mankind that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried and rose again, and the result will be the salvation and reconciliation of all creation . Those of all nations who believe this good news are "placed" in the Body of Christ by God as He "wills". Members of the Body are to share this good news on earth during this present Age and their destiny is in the heavens in the following Ages. Jesus is the Head of the Body and His death on the cross for all sinners, flowing from the love, grace and mercy of God, is the focus of this gospel. Jesus gave the details of this good news first to the Apostle Paul which had been hidden in past Ages. Paul was the worst sinner, and the FIRST member of the Body of Christ..

"To Him who has it in His power to make you strong, as declared in the Good News which I am spreading, and the proclamation concerning Jesus Christ, in harmony with the unveiling of the Truth which in the periods of past Ages remained unuttered." ... "Christ died for our sins according to the scripture, and was entombed, and he has been roused the third day..."... "Faithful is the saying, and deserving of universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; among whom I stand foremost. But mercy was shown me in order that in me as the foremost of sinners Christ Jesus might display the fullness of His long-suffering patience as an example to encourage those who would afterwards be resting their faith on Him with a view to the Life of the Ages. Now to the immortal and invisible King of the Ages, who alone is God, be honor and glory to the Ages of the Ages! Amen." (Romans 16:25 WEH; Timothy 1:15-17 WEH)

All of the details and destiny of the Body of Christ are found in the New Testament Books of Acts, Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Summary of the Deception:

Satan and his "servants" have succeeded in mixing these two gospels to such an extent that the gospels have become "a different gospel, which is really not another". 

"I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the GRACE of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ...For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:6-12)

Satan's deception is temporary, for "the truth" of the "redemption" of all mankind will be obvious to all at the end of the ages when all are saved, and all creation reconciled to God.

"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins...and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach." ..."This is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things." (Colossians 1:13-22;1 Timothy 4:9-11

Pass on what Paul told us to "teach" so that others might come "to a knowledge of the truth".

"This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-8)

The Remnant - First But Not Last

"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the FIRST to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:11-12 NIV)

The use of the word "first" implies that there is more to follow. In every harvest there is a small portion of the crop that matures early. In the Law of Moses those first fruits belonged to God and were Holy. In every generation, and in every place, God has had a chosen remnant, those "first" few who trusted Him.

There is a remnant today who are among the "first" to put their hope in Christ. Yet we are "first" only because we were "predestined" to come to a knowledge of our salvation in this Age.  

Faith is a "gift" from God and has nothing to do with works of righteousness. 
To the remnant of Israel God said...

"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone...I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you..." (Ezekiel 36:22-27 NIV)

And to the Body of Christ God has said...

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works..." (Ephesians 2:8 NIV) 

The remnant among Israel and the Gentile remnant known as the Body of Christ are the "first" to trust, but rest assured, God intends to bring the remainder of His harvest into the barn in due time, for that is what He "wants."

"Then Peter began to speak: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism"..."As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God"..."This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who WANTS ALL people to be SAVED and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for ALL people"..."For as in Adam ALL die, so in Christ ALL will be made alive. But each in turn...” (Acts 10:34; 1 Timothy 2:4; Romans 14:11; 1 Corinthians 15:22 NIV)

The Remnant will be presented to God first, then all of the Harvest.  The Bible is an amazing book, and claims to be the very Word of God.  I'm trusting that it is so "all" must be "saved" because that is what God "wants".  

If you want some more details on how it all ends follow this link...

https://jrwlakey.blogspot.com/2018/10/how-does-this-end.html